In 1971 a Soviet drilling rig accidentally drilled over a large natual gas crater in Karakum desert in Turkmenistan. The rig fell in the natural gas supply and poisonous fumes were released into the air. To keep people away the Soviets lit the crater on fire and it has been on fire for 38 years now. It is called "The Gates of Hell" and The Darvaza Gas Crater. The crater is 328 feet wide.
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| Image of The Gates of Hell located in Kyzylgar, Turkmenistan |